55 times 5 is 275, but what is the answer if both 55 and 5 are negative numbers? Here we will determine if the answer to negative 55 times negative 5 is positive 275 or negative 275.
There are many different ways to explain and determine if the answer to negative 55 times negative 5 is -275 or +275 using mathematical terms such as additive inverse and mathematical laws like the Distribute Law.
We will take a different approach - process of elimination: We will simply test if -275 is the correct answer using basic algebra.
We will test if -275 is correct by setting up the equation negative 55 times negative 5 equals negative 275, and then simplifying the equation to see if it is true.
(-55) (-5) = (-275)
Divide both sides of the equation by (-5) :
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| = |
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The numerator and denominator on the left side both have (-5) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-55) = |
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The numerator and denominator on the right side both have a minus sign (-) which even each other out and can be removed:
| (-55) = |
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A numerator of 275 and denominator of 5 on the right side is the same as 275 divided by 5 which is 55. Now we end up with this untrue equation:
(-55) = (55)
-55 is NOT equal to 55, thus we have proven that negative 55 times negative 5 is not equal to -275. The answer must therefore be 275:
-55 x -5 = 275
The above applies to all math problems where you multiply two negative numbers. Multiplying two negative numbers such as negative 55 times negative 5 will always have a positive answer.
Negative Times Negative Calculator
Here you can multiply another two negative numbers together.
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